Instead, just signs Wales is more than simply weathering the economic storm.

One London executive whispered his turf was "boring, depressing, dull and dead" in comparison with a buzzier Welsh scene recently replete with investment for new technology.

Just ask Roger Coghill, businessman of four decades now heading one of the world's first online DVD rental services, ViewDVD, from expanding headquarters in Pontypool.

Or Mertec business manager Jacqui Malpass, rolling out digital display screens to Welsh schools in a bid to revolutionise blackboard education.

Or Evan Jones of digital media incubator @Wales, kick-starting the fortunes of six trendy companies in Cardiff Bay.

Bright outlook

Or any of the other exhibitors convinced their product is the next big thing.

If, as analysts say, no-one cares for dot.com and tech business anymore, no-one told these young bucks, still dreaming in dollars.

London is boring, depressing, dull and dead compared to the Welsh tech scene

City advertising executive

Billionaire telecom tycoon Terry Matthews' hotel complex reeked of optimism and deal cash - at least three millionaires - but the inaugural ICT Wales gathering was not all navel gazing.

The Welsh Development Agency's director of media technology, Patrick Sullivan, said: "It's not all about business, it's about improving quality of life.

"Eighty-three year old Mrs Jones from the Valleys may be disabled and unable to leave the house.

"But, with effective use of ICT, she can carry out home shopping, have medical diagnoses via videophone and play a part in her community via e-mail."

Speedy gone south

None of which will be realised without the perennial stumbling block - broadband, or high-speed, internet access which enables that oft-dreamt bright future is still only a creeping reality in Wales and the rest of the UK.

To hasten adoption, the Welsh Assembly has now intervened, it was revealed at the conference - pressing BT hard to convert old analogue telephone exchanges to high-speed, digital capacity.

Nick Batey wants the assembly to wire up Wales

Only a handful have been re-jigged by the company so far.

Assembly spokeswoman Fiona Middleton said: "I can tell you our e-minister, Andrew Davies, is involved in discussions with BT and the UK Government at the highest levels.